"Dear Steve, I saw a patient this morning with your book [in hand] and highlights throughout. She loves it and finds it very useful to help her in dealing with atrial fibrillation."

Dr. Wilber Su,Cavanaugh Heart Center, Phoenix, AZ

"...masterful. You managed to combine an encyclopedic compilation of information with the simplicity of presentation that enhances the delivery of the information to the reader. This is not an easy thing to do, but you have been very, very successful at it."

Ira David Levin, heart patient, Rome, Italy

"Within the pages of Beat Your A-Fib, Dr. Steve Ryan, PhD, provides a comprehensive guide for persons seeking to find a cure for their Atrial Fibrillation."

But it’s not just A-Fib patients who shouldn’t be on aspirin therapy for stroke prevention.

Data indicates more than 1 in 10 patients take aspirin when they shouldn’t.

Warn your family and friends who are taking daily aspirin for stroke risk: Maybe they shouldn’t be.

Aspirin 3D model

50 Million in the US Take Aspirin for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease

The problem with routinely taking aspirin is an increased risk of bleeding complications. More than one-third of all adults in the U.S. are now taking aspirin for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

“Primary” means preventing a first event like a heart attack. “Secondary” means preventing a reoccurrence of an event, like a second stroke.

When is Aspirin Therapy Appropriate?

As a “primary” prevention, only patients with a moderate to high 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke should be on aspirin therapy (estimated using the ACC/AHA risk-prediction calculator or similar calculator).

When is Aspirin Therapy Not Appropriate?

Aspirin is not appropriate for people who are at low risk—defined by their 10-year risk score. For these people, the risks of gastrointestinal bleeding and hemorrhagic strokes outweigh any potential benefit. “Among the more than 16,000 deaths each year linked to bleeding…, about one-third of these deaths occur in those who take low-dose (81-mg) aspirin.” The FDA in 2014 released a statement that warned against widespread use (of aspirin) in people of average risk.

Like Other Blood Thinners, Aspirin is a Pharmaceutical Drug

It’s all too easy to take an aspirin―we don’t need a prescription to get it. But taking an aspirin isn’t like taking a vitamin. Aspirin is a pharmaceutical drug.

Instead of routinely taking aspirin, you should discuss aspirin therapy with our doctor just as you’d do for any ‘by prescription’ blood thinner. (Take along a copy of this post.)

Note: Suddenly stopping daily aspirin therapy could have a rebound effect that may trigger a blood clot. If you have been taking daily aspirin therapy and want to stop, it’s important to talk to your doctor before making any changes.

Disclaimer: the authors of this Web site are not medical doctors and are not affiliated with any medical school or organization. The information on this site is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Nothing contained in this service is intended to be for medical diagnosis or treatment.